Archive for the ‘Nikon Nikkor 70-200 Reviews’ Category

“Fantastic experience at the British Museum with the 70-200mm VR”

This lens has so many uses. Anytime I can position myself where my subject is more than five feet away, this is my lens of choice. I have the kit 18-70mm that came with the D70 and a 50mm prime (I have the 18-200 VR is on order, and if Nikon can ever get around to catching up with demand, that lens might surpass this one, due to the smaller weight – plus it is a lot cheaper).

I took every lens I own with the D70 to the British Museum in London. Shooting handheld in available light (I never used the flash) with many of the Egyptian and Greek artifacts over fifty feet away, I got outstanding results with this lens. The VR technology is amazing. Having a constant 2.8 aperture was also a major advantage. I’ll grant you my arm felt like a rubber hose after four hours of site seeing, but it was worth it! I have had similar satisfaction using the lens outdoors for wildlife photography. I have even used the TC-20EII teleconverter with the lens, to shoot hummingbirds at great distance. I would have no reservations about recommending the lens, until Nikon announced the 18-200 VR. This new lens has a much broader focal length on the low end, and focuses much closer (around a foot, compared to five feet for 70-200). The 18-200 does not provide a constant 2.8 aperture across it’s focal length, so the 70-200 would be better at long distances in low light. But at less than half the price, and I think less than half the size, this new lens clearly will have a premier spot in my bag. Will it totally replace the 70-200VR? I’ll update my review when I finally get to try the lens on the block. Until then, the 70-200mm VR is the champ!

“Excellent Bokeh, Very Accurate Color, Great Contrast, and Working VR”

I love this lens. This is an excellent complement to my Nikon 28-70 2.8. It is well balanced on D200 and F100 (with MB Grip). Just last weekend used in a Family Wedding. It is really not a lens for casual photography. If you are not willing to tolerate heavy equipment, sincerely, you will take much better pictures with PS digital cameras, as I sometimes do. After all taking pictures is about capturing moments and if this lens will get into your way, it has no use.

I personally only prefer fixed 2.8 apertures across the zoom range. This is very important for me since I like to use mostly Aperture Priority especially taking people’s pictures. That is why I love this lens. This is a very expensive lens. If VR is not important to you, go with more reasonably priced with almost identical optical qualities Nikon 80-200 2.8. To me VR is very important since I cannot afford to use Tripods when I am moving around and taking pictures of my kids or friends.

If you could afford it, it is a great lens that you will never regret. If you cannot afford it just you are thinking on purchasin expensive Camera Body, don’t waste your time on camera specs, D70 vs D200 vs D2Xs etc. Buy cheaper camera, but still buy this lens as long as you are willing to carry heavy equipment around and comitted to take pictures with such heavy equipment.